Hats Off to You! Or in this Case, Hats On!

On January 15, in celebration of National Hat Day, some of you will surely be an “ear” above the rest. Hats big and small, quirky and sensible, fun and fancy or worn simply as a fashion statement will be all the rage this month. Hats have been a staple throughout the centuries, worn by notable individuals like Abraham Lincoln as well as entertainers and actors, performers and athletes, and even by people like you and me.

From fedoras and straw hats to cowboy hats and your favorite sports team cap, a hat is the perfect addition to any attire. And here at Disney Parks and Resorts it’s no different. Our most notable hat, of course, dates back to the Mickey Mouse Club ear hat, which is still the most popular, decades later.

Here’s a fun fact: To date, more than 80 million Mickey ear hats have been sold. In 2005, more than 1 million Golden Mickey Mouse ears were sold in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Disneyland park.

In 2010, an array of hats from Disney Theme Park Merchandise will provide shade, disguise, holiday cheer or simply fashion-friendly looks, including our classic Mickey Mouse ear hats, Princess hats, Goofy hats, the famous Mad Hatter hat, pirate themed hats, baseball hats, holiday hats, a Grumpy hat, and even a Create-Your-Own ear hat. New this year, amongst all the other headwear being offered, we’re adding hats with an ice cream and a popcorn theme. Headwear Product Developer Megan Kachur says, “We have hats to fit all ages, sizes and personalities.”

Here are some tips on how to celebrate National Hat Day today!

1. Wear a hat, of course. Change hats throughout the day or wear your favorite hat all day long.
2. Buy a hat for yourself or for one of your friends or family members.
3. Ask other people around you about their favorite hat.
4. Try to come up with a list of other notable individuals, songs or performers whose hats have been influential or have made a statement throughout the years.
5. Most of all… have fun!